WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced the appointment of eight new members to the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health. The committee members will serve two-year terms and represent the interests of the public, employers, employees and government.

The 15-member committee meets at least twice a year. The eight newly appointed members will join seven re-appointed members.

"The new ACCSH members possess a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience on a wide range of construction health and safety matters," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "I am confident these new members, representing the interests of labor, management, government and the public, will use their expertise to provide valuable advice and recommendations on important workplace safety and health issues. We share the goal of good, safe jobs for all American workers."

One member was appointed by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

Matt Gillen, construction program coordinator and senior scientist, Centers for Disease Control ¿National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, D.C. (re-appointed for one more year)

ACCSH has advised the assistant secretary for occupational safety and health on construction standards and policy matters for nearly 40 years. For more information on the committee, visit http://www.osha.gov/doc/accsh/index.html.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA¿s role is to ensure these conditions for America¿s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.